AS the countdown begins for the 2017 Cherwell Business Awards 30 finalists have been announced to compete for the honours.

Now in their sixth year, the awards honour the best businesses and business people within the Cherwell District Council area.

The finalists have now been named for the awards, which celebrate the achievements of all types of local enterprises from large established companies to small businesses and start-up companies.

A spokesman for the awards said: "The standard of applications was very high, which proved challenging for our sponsors, as they had the difficult task of shortlisting each award category.

"Congratulations to the shortlisted finalists, who come from a wide range of sectors and locations, as well as representing new, established, large and small businesses."

The winners will be announced at the black tie awards gala dinner to be held at Heythrop Park in Enstone on Friday, May 5.

This year's awards were launched in November when businesses from across North Oxfordshire came together at Norbar Torque Tools’ new premises in Wildmere Road, Banbury.

The company is the sponsor of the Overall Winner Award 2017.

Speakers at the launch included Norbard director Neill Brodey and Julia Aratoon and Lynn Pratt, both from Cherwell District Council, which is this year’s headline sponsor.

Sales director Keith Houliston spoke on behalf of Bicester-based British Bakels, winners of the Overall Business of the Year 2016 and Established Business of the Year 2016.

Mr Houliston said at the launch: "British Bakels operates in a very competitive industry and we are required to manufacture quality products consistently and offer a first-class customer service to keep ahead of our competitors.

"The recognition in receiving the awards highlights the fact we are following the right path for the future.

"We would recommend that companies in our area enter the 2017 Awards; it will lift the profile of your company, it will give you the opportunity to meet with personnel from different businesses and, if successful, will give you a reason to shout about success, which hopefully will be well received by your staff and customers."

Tickets for the awards ceremony are now available at £75 per person.

You can buy tickets individually, or you may wish to book a full table for 10 or 12 people.

Visit cherwellbusinessawards.co.uk/the-dinner/ to buy your tickets or emailadmin@cherwellbusinessawards.co.uk for further information.